DURHAM — Friends, family, teachers and students crowded Durham's Broad Street Friday night, as they made their way to the wake of 18-year-old Vanessa Louise Hall at Clements Funeral Home. The Northern High School senior lost her fight for life Wednesday, the result of injuries suffered in a traffic accident just a day earlier.

Hall was leaving for school, just miles from her Latta Road home, when she was struck by a truck driven by Tim Andrews, also of Durham. Hall then lost control of her car, striking the car of Lynda Summerlin.

The teen was taken to Duke University Hospital, where she fought head injuries before finally leaving a life she filled with academics, cheerleading, dance and community service.

Ranked 9th in her senior class, Hall was a nominee for the prestigious Morehead Scholarship at the University of North Carolina. She had hoped to either attend UNC or Duke, concentrating on a career in physical therapy.

Hall lived with a zest for life and spent time helping to enrich the lives of others. She was a life member of McMannen United Methodist Church which was founded by Hall's great-great-grandfather, John Archibald McMannen.

Among her many activities and achievements, Hall was a scholar-athlete and varsity cheerleader, member of the National Honor Society, participant in the NC Scholars program, participant of Governor's School East and Civitans. Hall was a member of the Company Dancers of Durham and was an integral part of the Company's effort to raises money for Duke Pediatrics through the Multiple Choices for the Children Foundation.

In the end, Hall's life ended in the intensive care unit of the pediatrics ward she helped fund. Hall's family hope to continue her legacy with the donation of her vital organs.

Saturday morning, Hall was laid to rest following a service at Duke University Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the Hall family requests donation be made to theVanessa Hall Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of McMannen United Methodist Church, 4102 Neal Road, Durham, NC 27705.
The author of this article wishes to express condolences to the Hall family, as well as to the students, staff and cheerleaders at Northern High School-- a group of which she was also a member from 1986-89.

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